TEHRAN (Iran News) – Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mehdi Esmaeili during his meeting with Italian Ambassador to Tehran Giuseppe Perrone on Tuesday called for exchange of artists between the two countries.

According to reports, in the meeting Mr. Esmaeili emphasized that Iran and Italy with the oldest civilization background have broad joint cultural cooperation more than in any other field. He pointed to the good relations between Iran and Italy and called for broadening cultural ties.

He went on to say that Iran is ready to have joint cooperation with Italy in all cultural and art fields like film, music, theater and book.

Esmaeili also announced readiness of the ministry in line with signing MoU on joint cultural and art cooperation with Italy, adding that the cultural exchanges of artists of the two countries lead to better presentation of old civilization of Iran and Italy for their nations and holding cultural day or week between the two countries is another way for presentation of cultures.

Then the minister pointed to the approach of Embassy of Italy in Tehran for broadening cultural relations between the two countries and hailed it. Esmaeili concluded his remarks by saying that Iran will welcome election of Italy as the host of 2030 Expo.

Then Italian Ambassador Mr. Perrone emphasized old cultural and civilization ties of Iran and Italy, saying that Iran and Italy are two countries with historic cultural and civilization background along with art and cultural heritage and they have had effective talks.

He then said that Italy emphasizes broadening cultural relations with other countries like Iran, and it holds different programs in this regard.

Perrone then hailed the cooperation and supports of cultural Iranian bodies with Embassy of Italy especially Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance’s cooperation. He later called for continuation of Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance’s support for election of Italy as the host of 2030 Expo.

He concluded his remarks by emphasizing joint cultural cooperation between the two countries like in film and music.

The Italian diplomat during his stay in Tehran has been busy with holding cultural events and interaction with Iranian artists beside other activities like boosting trade cooperation between Iran and Italy.